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Cheesy crockpot baked ziti with marinara sauce and melted mozzarella
Isaac blogger

Crockpot Baked Ziti (Easy Slow Cooker Pasta)

This crockpot baked ziti is a simple, comforting slow-cooked pasta layered with marinara, ricotta, mozzarella, and optional ground meat. Everything cooks gently in the slow cooker so the pasta becomes tender and the cheese melts into a creamy, hearty dinner with minimal effort.
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Prep Time 20 minutes
Cook Time 4 hours
Total Time 4 hours 20 minutes
Servings: 8
Course: Dinner / Main
Cuisine: Italian-American
Calories:
Ingredients Method Notes

Ingredients
  

  • Pasta & Sauce Layers
  • 1 lb ziti or penne pasta, uncooked
  • 24 oz marinara sauce (high-quality or homemade)
  • 1 lb ground beef or Italian sausage optional, cooked and drained
  • 1 small onion, diced (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced (optional)
  • 1 tsp Italian seasoning (optional)
  • Ricotta Mixture
  • 16 oz ricotta cheese
  • 2 large eggs
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ¼ tsp black pepper
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella (from the 2 cups total)
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan (from the ½ cup total)
  • Cheese Topping
  • 1 cup shredded mozzarella
  • ¼ cup grated Parmesan
  • For Finishing
  • Fresh basil, chopped (optional)

Method
 

  1. Before You Begin
  2. Prepare your slow cooker and ingredients as needed. Cooking times and results may vary depending on your equipment and ingredients.
  3. Cook Meat (If Using)
  4. In a skillet over medium heat, cook ground meat until fully browned and crumbly. Drain excess fat. If using onion or garlic, sauté them with the meat until softened.
  5. Prepare Ricotta Mixture
  6. In a bowl, combine ricotta, eggs, salt, pepper, 1 cup mozzarella, and ¼ cup Parmesan. Mix until evenly combined.
  7. Layer Ingredients
  8. Lightly grease slow cooker insert. Spread a thin layer of marinara sauce on the bottom. Add half of the uncooked pasta, half of the meat, half of the ricotta mixture, about 1 cup sauce, and a small sprinkle of mozzarella.
  9. Repeat Layers
  10. Add remaining pasta, meat, ricotta mixture, and another cup of sauce. Do not press down.
  11. Add Final Topping
  12. Pour remaining sauce over top and sprinkle remaining mozzarella and Parmesan evenly.
  13. Cook
  14. Cover and cook:
  15. LOW: 4–5 hours
  16. HIGH: 2–3 hours
  17. Ziti is done when pasta is tender and edges are gently bubbling. Cooking time may vary depending on slow cooker model.
  18. Rest
  19. Turn off heat and let rest uncovered 10–15 minutes so layers set.
  20. Serve
  21. Garnish with basil if desired and serve warm.

Notes

  • Proper ingredient layering helps maintain texture and structure.
  • Cooking time may vary depending on slow cooker size, fill level, and ingredient temperature.
  • Avoid stirring during cooking so pasta holds its shape.
  • Use recommended ingredient types for best consistency and results.
  • Texture can be adjusted during reheating if needed.
  • Refrigerate leftovers within 2 hours and store in an airtight container up to 5 days.
  • Freeze cooled portions up to 3 months and thaw overnight before reheating.
  • Reheat in oven at 350°F until heated through or microwave in short intervals, stirring between heating.